Sorry this report is late, but I had computer trouble. On July 17th
Mike Marsh and I were on our way up to Tiffany Springs Campground for a
lunch stop. We had checked Roger Lake for Spruce Gouse the previous year
without luck. We decided to make a quick stop just in case we might have
good fortune. About 25 yds from the parking area a hen Spruce Grouse was
quietly calling to 4 chicks. The hen was very cooperative allowing us great
views of it and the chicks. At times she came so close that I couldn't
focus my binos. We watched the chicks run about all around us in pairs. It
was a great experience. Now if we could have found a Boreal Chickadee on
the trip ......
I have read the email and the number of Spruce Grouse sightings are
rather sparse. I consider us as very forunate. However, I hope this
encourages other birders to keep looking.

Cheers,

Henry Gilmore
Vancouver, WA
mailto:hgilmore7 at comcast.net